Igniting Ambition Across North West Wales – Menai Science Park Receives Full Planning Consent

Following the unanimous approval of the outline planning application in May 2015, Menai Science Park Ltd has now secured full planning consent for Wales’ first dedicated Science Park, which will be based on Anglesey. Working with FaulknerBrowns Architects and the recently appointed main contractors, the detailed designs for this exciting Bangor University project can now be completed. M-SParc intend to complete the build in 2017/18. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

M-SParc’s ambition is to bring hi-tech industry and scientific research partnerships to the park and to benefit from the creation of clusters in key sectors. The ambitious project, which has secured £10.8 million investment from the Welsh Government and a further £10.2 million of European Regional Development Funding through the Welsh Government, intends to bring high quality employment opportunities, of types not currently available in the region. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

These include industry and knowledge-based science lead research roles in sectors such as low carbon, energy and environment and ICT. Executive Director, Mr Ieuan Wyn Jones, said “This project ties in with many ongoing economic strategies, and comes at an opportune time to link with other ongoing projects in the region, including Wylfa Newydd and projects in the renewable sector. However, we understand that we need to do more than simply provide premises and excellent business support in order to assist companies to create jobs. To ensure that young people are able to take full advantage of these roles, M-SParc is working with Bangor University to provide Masters Degrees and scholarships that link to our key sectors so that students can graduate with appropriate skills. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

The Science Park will create a bridge between innovative companies and Bangor University. We are already in advanced discussions with a number of potential tenants from a range of sectors.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

M-SParc has appointed Willmott Dixon Ltd as contractor to undertake the construction on the first building. Project Manager, Pryderi ap Rhisiart, said “The construction company are committed to providing community benefits and working with the local supply chain; something which M-SParc will strongly support.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Pwllheli-based company Trawscoed Studio, was recently appointed to create a 3D visualisation of the completed first phase. This can be viewed on M-SParc’s website, and it allows both potential tenants and the general public to get a better idea of what exactly the building will provide. Dylan Williams, who worked on the visualisation, said “It was an exciting opportunity to work on such an ambitious project, and we’re really pleased with the results.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

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Additionally, M-SParc would like to thank the local community, particularly the immediate community of Gaerwen and Llanfihangel Ysceifiog. The feedback received at numerous public consultation events has been invaluable, and helped shape the first stage as it stands now. The Park team will continue working closely with the community”. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Professor John G. Hughes, Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University, said “Bangor University is delighted with the news that the detailed planning application has been approved. Many departments within the University are already heavily involved with the Project, and the collaboration will only strengthen as the Park continues its development.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​